Central Division 2014-15 Preview: Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets still have lots of room for improvement during the 2014-15 season. Here's our preview of the team and the NHL's Central Division.

Author:
Michael Blinn
Publish date:
Sep 26, 2014

SI.com's 2014-15 Preseason All-NHL Teams: first, second, third

COACH:

2013-14 RECORD: 37-35-10, 84 points (seventh in Central; missed playoffs)

VITAL SIGNS: 2.67 goals per game (15th); 2.82 goals-against per game (22nd); 15.4 power play pct. (25th); 83.2 power play pct. (10th); shootout record: 8-6 (8th)

NOTABLE ARRIVALS: F T.J. Galiardi, F Mathieu Perreault

NOTABLE DEPARTURES: C Olli Jokinen, G Al Montoya, F Devin Setoguchi

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART:

Forwards
Andrew Ladd — Bryan Little — Michael Frolik
Evander Kane — Mark Scheifele — Blake Wheeler
Eric Tangradi — Jim Slater — Matt Halischuk

Defensemen
Tobias Enstrom - Zach Bogosian
Jacob Trouba - Grant Clitsome
Mark Stuart - Adam Party

Goalies
Ondrej Pavelec
Michael Hutchinson

Best case scenarios for Western Conference teams

finally

PLAYER TO WATCH:Evander Kane

To say it was a tumultuous offseason for Kane would be an understatement. He did nothing to squash offseason trade rumors and his contentious attitude with the media has caused even the most harmless of his tweets to be taken in the worst possible way. Despite being just 23 years old, Kane is in his sixth NHL season and young scorers with 30-goal potential are in short supply. If he really wants out of Winnipeg, as many people believe he does, a strong showing early in the season will likely help earn him a ticket to a contender at the trade deadline.

PREDICTION: 85 points; seventh in Central